Iekei Ramen Innovation Tokyo
Iekei Ramen Innovation Tokyo
A Modern Twist on a Classic Favourite
Calling all ramen lovers! If you’re in Tokyo and looking for an unforgettable bowl of noodles, Iekei Ramen Innovation Tokyo should be at the top of your list. This gem in the heart of the city serves up Iekei-style ramen, a unique creation from Yokohama that blends the creamy richness of pork bone (tonkotsu) broth with the savoury depth of soy sauce (shoyu).
The experience starts with your perfect bowl, and customisation is key here. You get to choose everything—how firm you want the noodles, the richness of the broth, and even the amount of oil. The toppings are just as exciting. Go for the classics like a soft-boiled marinated egg, tender slices of chashu pork, and sheets of crispy seaweed, or try some of their innovative options for a fun twist on tradition.
What makes this spot stand out is its creativity. Alongside the tried-and-true favourites, the menu often features seasonal specials and unexpected flavour combinations that keep visitors coming back for more. Pair your ramen with a side of perfectly pan-fried gyoza or a refreshing iced tea, and you’ve got a meal that will satisfy any foodie’s cravings.
The Thrill of Ordering Ramen from a Shokkenki in Japan
What is a Shokkenki?
A shokkenki (食券機), or “food ticket machine,” is a common sight in Japanese restaurants. It’s a vending machine where you select your meal, pay, and receive a ticket to hand to the staff. This clever system speeds up ordering and minimises errors, leaving the chef free to focus on cooking. It’s simple, efficient, and uniquely Japanese!
Imagine this: you’ve found a highly-rated ramen shop in Tokyo, and just as you’re about to step inside, you’re greeted by something surprising -a vending machine! Yes, in Japan, ordering food from a vending (Shokkenki) machine isn’t just convenient; it’s an experience in itself, and it’s especially common at ramen shops.
Here’s how it works. Instead of placing your order with a server, you’ll find a vending machine near the entrance, usually brimming with brightly lit buttons displaying pictures or descriptions of the menu items. This is where the fun begins. You scan the options, make your choices, and pay right at the machine. It’s like picking your favourite meal out of a digital menu, and it couldn’t be easier.
Once you’ve paid, the machine prints a ticket (or sometimes several if you’ve chosen add-ons). You hand this ticket to the staff inside, take a seat, and wait as your custom ramen masterpiece is prepared.
The system is a lifesaver for tourists! Most machines offer pictures, so even if you don’t read Japanese, you can still order confidently. Some machines even have English translations or touchscreen menus to make it even simpler.
Why Is It So Exciting?
For many visitors, using a vending machine to order food is a novelty. It’s a peek into Japan’s seamless blend of technology and tradition. Plus, it takes away any awkwardness of ordering if you’re not fluent in Japanese.
Beyond the fun factor, this system keeps the process efficient—no long queues to order, no fumbling over menus, and everything runs like clockwork. It’s especially thrilling in ramen shops, where each button promises something delicious, from rich pork-broth ramen to sides of gyoza or extra toppings like soft-boiled eggs and seaweed.
So, when you visit Japan, embrace the vending machine culture. It’s not just a way to order food—it’s a uniquely Japanese experience that adds a touch of adventure to your dining journey.
Our vending machine order
Ramen Made with Love, Not a Vending Machine
At Iekei Ramen Innovation, the chef, not the vending machine, works the magic. Each bowl is handcrafted to perfection in the kitchen, bursting with authentic flavour. Just for reference, you can order pizza in France from a vending machine and a French stick (cold). The Japanese payment machine used at restaurants is called a Shokkenki(食券機), which translates to “food ticket machine”.
A Fiery Bowl of Ramen Mustard Delight
If you love a touch of heat in your food, this ramen bowl is calling your name. The star of this dish is its vivid red soup, crafted with care using premium chilli peppers sourced straight from “Ramen Hisui” in Kamata. But don’t be fooled—this ramen isn’t just about the spice. The broth is a beautifully balanced symphony of flavours that’s as rich and savoury as it is excitingly fiery.
At the heart of this bowl is tender pork chashu, slow-cooked to perfection and practically melting in your mouth. The pork is paired with sheets of crispy seaweed, which add a salty, umami-laden kick, enhancing the broth’s depth. The noodles, perfectly chewy, tie everything together and soak up every bit of the spicy goodness.
The Innovator Special
A Ramen Lover’s Dream
Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavours with the Innovator Special Ramen. This culinary masterpiece takes char siu to the next level by featuring not one, but three exquisite cuts of pork, each prepared with a unique cooking method to highlight its natural richness:
Loin Meat: Succulent and tender, cooked to perfection at low temperature for a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Thigh Meat: Smoky and aromatic, expertly grilled while hanging to lock in its juices and impart a rich depth of flavour.
Belly Meat: Decadent and satisfying, slow-braised to buttery tenderness that dissolves effortlessly on the palate.
To take this culinary delight to new heights, the bowl is adorned with a perfectly seasoned hard-boiled egg and delicate sheets of dried seaweed, infusing each bite with a savoury umami kick and a hint of coastal charm. Nestled on a bed of springy, flavour-soaked noodles, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Every mouthful is an adventure, offering a flawless balance of textures and tastes. This is ramen, reimagined for the true connoisseur.
Ramen Street: A Paradise for Noodle Lovers in Tokyo Station
For ramen lovers, Ramen Street in Tokyo Station is the ultimate pilgrimage. Located on the basement level of this iconic transport hub, Ramen Street is a collection of some of Japan’s top ramen shops, each offering a distinct regional or speciality style.
You’ll find eight renowned establishments lining the corridor, each with its own loyal following. Whether you’re craving a creamy, pork-based tonkotsu broth from Kyushu, a lighter shio (salt-based) ramen from Hokkaido, or a hearty miso blend, there’s a bowl here to satisfy every taste.
Among the highlights is Rokurinsha, famous for its thick, chewy noodles paired with a flavour-packed tsukemen (dipping ramen) broth. Another favourite is Soranoiro Nippon, which caters to vegetarians and health-conscious eaters with its vibrant veggie ramen.
The charm of Ramen Street lies not only in the quality of the food but also in the lively atmosphere. Diners from all over the world sit elbow-to-elbow, slurping their noodles and savouring the art of ramen. It’s an experience that’s as much about the culture as it is about the food.
Why Visit?
Whether you’re indulging in the creative takes at Iekei Ramen Innovation Tokyo or exploring the diverse flavours of Ramen Street, these spots promise to elevate your ramen journey. Both are perfect for foodies keen to delve into the incredible variety of this iconic Japanese dish. With a world of flavours waiting, there’s no better place than Tokyo to savour ramen at its finest.
A Few Tips for you
Admire the Presentation
Before diving in, take a moment to appreciate the bowl. Many ramen shops pride themselves on the visual appeal of their dishes. It’s also the perfect time for a quick photo (if allowed) to remember your Tokyo food adventure.
Start with the Broth
Sip the broth first. Use the provided spoon to taste the essence of the ramen. It’s the soul of the dish, and this initial sip sets the tone for your meal.
Tame the Heat
Ramen is often served scalding hot, so pace yourself. Use chopsticks to lift a small portion of noodles, blow on them gently, and then slurp. Yes, slurping is encouraged—it cools the noodles and enhances the flavour by mixing them with the broth.
Work Your Way Through the Toppings
Enjoy the toppings like char siu, egg, or seaweed at your own pace. Some people like to alternate between noodles and toppings, while others save their favourites for last. Use your chopsticks and spoon to break down larger pieces.
Use the Spoon for Noodles Too
If the noodles are too hot or unwieldy, you can scoop them onto your spoon and eat them that way. It’s perfectly acceptable and keeps things manageable.
Don’t Let the Noodles Linger
Eat the noodles quickly but carefully, as they can become soggy if left too long. The texture of ramen is best when it’s firm and springy.
Savour the Broth Last
Once the toppings and noodles are gone, many ramen lovers finish the bowl by drinking the remaining broth directly or with a spoon. It’s a sign you thoroughly enjoyed the meal!
Be Mindful of Manners
While slurping is fine, loud talking or rushing through the meal might seem out of place in a small, often quiet ramen shop. Enjoy the moment and the atmosphere.
Pro Tip
Many ramen shops provide free water or tea, which can help cool your palate. Don’t hesitate to ask for it if you don’t see it at your table.
Here are the two delightful dishes we enjoyed at a fantastic little gem on Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. What you have to remember about bowls or Ramen is that they are served super hot, very very hot.
Location Iekei Ramen Innovation Tokyo
If you plan to visit Iekei Ramen Innovation, you’ll find it on Tokyo Ramen Street, located on the basement level (B1F) of Tokyo Station’s First Avenue. To get there, head towards the Yaesu South Exit at Tokyo Station and follow the signs leading you downstairs. Once you’re on First Avenue, clear signage will guide you straight to the famous Ramen Street.
This hotspot for ramen lovers bustles daily, featuring a variety of renowned ramen shops. Operating hours are typically10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., ensuring plenty of opportunities to indulge in a bowl of delicious ramen no matter your schedule.
